Slider locking and release mechanism for slide fasteners



March 19, 1957 H. M. GARSSON 2,785,452

SLIDER LOCKING AND RELEASE MECHANISM FOR SLIDE FASTENERS Filed Sept. 16, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet l 54 l 20 4% 50 2/ MW l9 /9 7 l so 27 24 79 22 5A 23 r4 0 HEMP) M @r/assaw INVENTOR.

March 19, 1957 sso 2,785,452

SLIDER LOCKING AND RELEASE MECHANISM FOR SLIDE FASTENERS Filed Sept. 16, 1953 s Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Fay. I

ATTOF/Vfl March 19, 1957 H. M. GARSSON 2,785,452

SLIDER LOCKING AND RELEASE MECHANISM FOR SLIDE FASTENERS Filed Sept. 16, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 k k V 45 V WI %5 Fey. 1 3

Hay/WA 621/?550/1/ N V EN TOR.

United States Patent I 'S'LIDER LOCKING AND RELEASE MECHANISM FOR suns FASTENERS Henry M; Garsson, New York, N. Y., assignor to The Elmcroft Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York This invention relates to slide fasteners and is particularly directed to a slider locking mechanism and key combination'for use in conjunction with slide fasteners of the conventional type.

This application is primarily directed to a slider equipped with a positive locking mechanism, and a key for use in conjunction with the locking mechanism, to enable an operator to lock the slider, relative to the fastener elements, in such a manner as to provent the operation of the slider without the use of a special key provided therefor.

It is further directed to a slider which may be readily partially opened to the extent required in order to release and adjust the fastener elements if they are jammed for any reason, as when foreign matter is introduced between the fastener elements to prevent their normal operation.

The construction is further directed to a combination slider, which may be readily completely removed from the fastener elements to enable a replacement slider to be substituted for the conventional type of slider.

The primary object of my invention is to provide a slider for use in conjunction with the conventional type of slide fastener, used on various types of articles of value, such as luggage, provision being made for positively locking the slider in such a manner as to prevent the movement of the 'slidei" in either direction, relative to the slide fastener elements, therebypreventing the normal operation of the slider, and maintaining the article .in a locked condition, and to provide a removable key, and control pull, which is utilized to operate the locking mechanism, and can be readily removed from the slider so as to prevent the opening operation of the locking mechanism until the proper key is reinserted in its required relation to thelocking mechanism. V

A further object is to provide a slider which may be partially opened relative to the slide fastener elements to enable the slider to be moved relative to the fastener elements, when they become jammed by any reason, and to enable the operator to release the fastener elements and remove any foreign matter, which may become lodged between the fastener elements, and in that manner prevent the normal operation thereof, the partial opening mechanism being provided in conjunction with the looking apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive, positive and relatively foolproof slider for use in conjunction with slide fasteners, applied to various types of luggage, cases of various types, articles of apparel, and other articles which require ready opening and closing, and which the owner maydesire to lock in order to protect the article to which the fastener is applied.

Applicant provides a combination lockingandrelease mechanism, which performs the dualpurpose of providing a slider which "may bentilized in thenormal nianner for interlocking and releasing the fastener elements, 1 and 2,785,452 Patented Mar. 19,

also provides a locking mechanism for positively locking the slider relative to the fastener elements to prevent any relative movement ther'ebetween, when the slider is locked, the locking mechanism being controlled by a removable key, which prevents tampering with or releasing the fastener elements until the proper key is restored to its operative position.

A further feature of the invention resides in the provision in combination with the locking mechanism and the removable key, of a mechanism by means of which, by manipulating the removable key, the channel plates of the slider may be partially separated to enable the slider to be moved relative to the fastener elements, when they become jammed for any reason, as when any foreign matter is introduced between the meshing teeth of the fastener elements.

Another feature of the invention resides in providing a slider fitted with a removable control key, which is adapted to rotate a positive locking member in the form of a double wedge, in such a manner that in the locking position of the locking wedge, any movement of the slider relative to the fastener elements is prevented, thus retaining the fastener elements in their locked position relative to the slider at any desired point along the chain of fastener elements.

Another feature of the construction resides in the provision of a positively controlled latching mechanism, which retains the locking Wedge in its locking position, when the key is removed from the slider, provision being made for normal operation of the slider, when the key is reinserted therein, in its normal position, thus releasing the latch and enabling the locking wedge to be rotated into its normal operating position.

Another feature resides in the provision of various types of key configuration and mating openings therefor, to enable a wide degree of selectivity to be obtained between the key and its mating elements in the slider con struction. This enables a wide range of slider and key combinations to be employed, basic construction of the locking mechanism remaining essentially the same.

The accompanying drawings, illustrative of one embodiment of my invention and several modifications thereof, together with the description of their construction and the method of installation, operation, and utilization thereof, 'will serve to clarify further objects and advantages of my invention. i

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a schematic section through one embodiment of the slider with the upper channel plate removed, and a plan view of the fastener elements, with the fastener element locking wedge in its operating position, to enable the slider to be readily moved relative to the fastener elements in its normal manner, taken at 1-'1, Fig. 5.

Fig. 2 represents a schematic section, similar to Fig. 1, through the slider, with the fastener element locking wedge rotated into its locking position, the ends thereof being wedged in between the fastener elements, thus preventing any movement of the slider relative to the fastener elements, and positively locking the slider relative to the fastener elements.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the slider channel plates, the locking wedge, and one embodiment of the tubular wedge support member, also the latch plunger and the control key therefor, with the locking wedge and the latch plunger in the locking position, taken at 3--3, Fig. 2.

Fig. =4 is a vertical section, similar :to .Fig. .5, through the lockingwedge and the tubular support therefor, with the'lock ing wedge rotated intosits opener operatingp'osition, and the key inserted in the latch plunger release position, taken at 4-4, Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section through one embodiment of the slider channel plates, shown in Fig. 1, with the looking wedge and the tubular support member therefor rotated into the operating position, taken at 55, Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a vertical section, similar to Fig. 5, through a modification of the slider channel plates, shown in Fig. 5, with the locking wedge attached to the tubular support member, the locking wedge being shown in the operating position, showing another method of pivotally connecting the channel plates.

Fig. 7 is a vertical section similar to Fig. 3, through the locking wedge and a modification of the tubular wedge support member and the central cylindrical shaft, also the latching mechanism therefor, with the locking wedge tubular support member and the latch plunger in the locking position.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section, similar to Fig. 7, through the locking wedge and the tubular support member there for, with the locking wedge and the tubular wedge support member rotated into the operating position, and the key inserted in the latch release position, similar to that 1 shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 9 is a section through the central vertical shaft and the tubular wedge support member, shown in Fig. 4, also the latch plunger and the key therefor, with the latch plunger and the key in the open or operating position, taken at 9--9, Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is a section through the key, shown in Fig. 3, and a plan view of the central vertical shaft head, showing the two sets of key slots cut therein, taken at 10-10, Fig. 3.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the central vertical shaft head and the key, shown in Fig. 3, with the key rotated into the locking position, relative to the slots in the central vertical shaft head.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged section through the latch plunger, shown in Fig. 3, and the compression spring therefor, with the latch plunger in the latching position, and the spring expanded into its normal free position.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged section through the latch plunger, shown in Fig. 4, the coiled compression spring there for, and one jaw of the key, with the latch plunger moved into the unlatched position by means of the key, and the spring compressed by the key stern.

Fig. 14 is a section through one embodiment of the plunger control stem attached to one jaw of the key, shown in Figs. 7 and 8, showing one form of key control stem and plunger configuration, taken at 14-14, Fig. 7.

Fig. 15 is a vertical section through another modification of the tubular wedge support member, shown in Fig. 3, and the central vertical shaft therefor, also the latch plunger, with the locking wedge and the latch plunger in the locking position.

Fig. 16 is a vertical section, similar to Fig. 15, through the locking wedge tubular support member, the central vertical shaft, and the latch plunger, with the locking wedge tubular support member rotated into the operating position, and the latch plunger moved into the latch release position by means of the key stem.

Fig. 17 is a cross-section through the reduced diameter bottom section of the central vertical shaft, and the lower channel plate, showing one method of preventing the rotation of the central vertical shaft relative to the lower channel plate, taken at 17-47, Fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is a cross-section, similar to Fig. 5, through a modification of the upper and lower channel plates, which are formed of a single sheet of material, with an integral link connecting one end of the channel plates, and the locking wedge attached to the tubular support member in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 5, the locking wedge being shown in the operating position.

Fig. 19 is a cross-section through the locking wedge and the tubular support member, shown in Fig. 18, with the locking wedge in the slide fastener element operating position relative to the channel plate, taken at 1919,

Fig. 18.

It will be understood that the following description of the construction and the method of actuation, operation and utilization of the slider locking and release mechanism for slide fasteners, is intended as explanatory of the invention and not restrictive thereof.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same parts throughout the various views, except where otherwise indicated.

One embodiment of the slider construction, shown in Figs. 1, .2, 3, and 5 comprises a pair of channel plates 15 and 16, one end of the upper channel plate 15 being pivotally attached tothe lower channel plate by means of a pivot pin 17, as indicated in Fig. 6, or by a ball end socket joint in the manner shown in Fig. 5.

While the slider channel plates are shown as two separate parts pivotally attached to one another in Figs. 5 and 6, the upper and lower channel plates may be formed in one piece, a link or neck, integral with the channel plates connecting the rear end thereof.

The channel plates may be die cast in the manner shown in Figs. 5 and 6, or the two channel plates may be formed of sheet material in one piece, the overall essentials of the construction and operation of the unit remaining fundamentally the same. 7

As indicated in Figs. 1, 2', and 5, each channel plate has a pair of flanges 18, or 19 and 19a integral therewith, the flanges being substantially perpendicular to the respective channel plates. I

The lower portion of the flanges 18 and 19 are substantially parallel to one another, as indicated in Figs. 1 and 2, to guide the fastener elements when they are in the interlocked position.

Above the parallel portion of each of the flanges, an integral sloping section 24) or 21 is incorporated with each of the flanges, the angular position of the sloping section of each of the flanges, being controlled by the angular position required to disengage the fastener ele ments 2,2 and 23, at opposite sides of the slider, or guide the fastener elements into their interlocking position relative to one another, depending upon the direction the slider is moved relative to the fastener elements, the fastener elements 22 or 23 on each side being attached to an individual tape (not shown) in the conventional manner.

A locking wedge 24 is mounted between the fastener elements in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the looking wedge being integral with or attached to a tubular wedge support member 25, which is threadably fitted to the upper channel plate 15, by means of the external threads 26 integral with the outer circumference of the tubular wedge support member, the wedge support member extending downward to the inner surface of the lower channel plate 16 in the position shown in Figs. 3 and 5.

A substantially cylindrical shaft 27 is fitted to the interior of the tubular wedge support member 25, the re duced diameter lower end 23 of the shaft being attached to the lower channel plate 16, in the manner indicated in Fig. 3, and hereinafter described in greater detail.

In the construction shown in Fig. 5, the outer diameter of the lower portion of the tubular wedge support member is reduced, a locking wedge 2&, similar in form and outer contour to that shown in Fig. 6, being pressed on or otherwise attached to reduced diameter section of the tubular Wedge support member. A key such as that shown in Figs. 18 and 19, or a pin may be inserted into the tubular support member and the locking wedge to retain the locking wedge in accurate alignment with the wedge support member. A substantially circular collar 30 is formed integral with the upper end of the tubular wedge support member above the upper channel plate, in the position shown in Fig. 5.

In the construction shown in Fig. 6, the tubular wedge member 25 is integral with the locking'wedge 24; The upper nd of the tubular wedge support member,

" Shove the uppeichannel plate 15 is reduced in diameter, a substantially circular collar 31 being pressed on or otherwise attached to-the reduced diameter section of the' tubular support member. The collar 31 is located between a substantially circular head 32, integral with or attached to the upper end {of thefcylin'drical shaft 27 and the outer surface of the upper channel plate, as indicated'in Figs. 3 and 5. The collar may be pinned to the tubular Wedge support member, or located relative thereto by means of a key such as that shown in Figs. 17 and 18;. to retain" the collar in accurate alignment with the tfi'bulai' wedge support member.

. The head 32 integral with the central cylindrical shaft, has two pair of diametrically opposite slots 33 and 34 cut therethrough, in the relative positions shown in Fig. 11 to receive therectangular jaws 35 and 36 of a key, which is' fitt'ed to them so that the width of the jaws clears the slots.

The relative angular position of the two pair of slots 33 and 34 cut through the head 32 of the cylindrical shaft 27=,-.corresponds to the angle through which the locking wedge 24 is rotated from the operatingposition, shown irLFjg. -l to the locking position shown in Fig. 2.

The collar 31 attached to the tubular wedge support member has one pair of rectangular slots37 cut therethrough, the slots being of substantially the same width as theslots. 33 and 34 through the cylindrical shaft head, to enable. the key to be inserted through the shaft head slots 33 into the tubular support collar slots 37 to rotate the tubular wedge support member 25 from the Operatifigto the locking position.

ll: :the construction shown inFigs. 3 and 4, external threads 26, integral with the outer circumference of the tub uia r Wedge support member, fit into mating internal threads cut'into the upper channel plate 15, to enable the tubular wedge support member to raise or lower the uppenchan'nel plate 15, relative to the lower channel plate 16, about the plate pivot, when the tubular wedge ,stlpport member is rotated relative to the channel plates by means of the key. p

In order to lock the tubular wedge support member and the wedge integral therewith in the locking position, shownin Fig. 2, a reciprocating latch plunger 40 is fitted through an opening 41, out through one side Wall of the tubular wedge support member. A hollow cylindrical cavity 42 of a diameter larger than the plunger diameter is cut into the body of the vertical shaft 27 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical shaft axis, the cylindrical cavity r'eciprocatingly supporting a piston 43, attached to 'or'integral with the inner end of the latch plunger 40.

As indicated in Figs. 3, 9, l2 and 13, the cylindrical -cavity '42 extends from one side .of the central vertical shaft 27 to a point near the opposite side thereof, a thin our being left at the outer diameter of the central haft'2'7, in the position shown in Figs. 3, 4, 12 and 13, to retain the plunger piston 43 within the cylindrical "cayi't'y 42 in the's'haft.

indicated in Figs. 3, l2, and 13, a thin circular plug 45 is inserted into the open end of the cylindrical 42 in the shaft, the plug being pressed, soldered or he-twist. attached to the central vertical shaft 27 to close e cavity and retain the plunger piston within the cavity.

coiled compression spring '46 is fitted to the cylindrical cavity 42 in the shaft, as shown in Fig. 3, between the inner face of the'plug 45 and the plunger piston 43,

to force the piston with the l2; the latch plunger extending across the outer diameter he 'cefit'ral 'vertical 'sh'aft'27 into the opening'41 in the dam ntine titular-wedge support member 25, thereby preventing apy rotary movement at the 'tubular wedge v I latch plunger '40 integral tliefewit hbutward into the position shown in Figs. 3 and with or attached to one of the jaws 36 of the key, the

jaws 35 and 36 of the key being integral with the lower legs 49 and 49a thereof.

The stem 48 of-the key is located in a p'oSi -on in substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical cavity 42 through the vertical shaft, the key stem clearing the opening 41 through the wall of the tubular wedge support member to enable the key jaws to be moved laterally from the latching position, shown in Fig. 3, to the open position shown in Fig. 4, the movement of the stem of the key moving the plungerjnward toward the vertical shaft 27, thereby compressing the coiled compression spring 46 into the compressed position, shown in Figs. 4 and 13 Whenthe latch plunger 40 is in the open position, Shown in Fig. 4, the outer edge of the plunger is in substantial alignment with the outer circumference of the central vertical shaft 27, thereby permitting the tubular wedge support member to be rotated bymeans of the liey from the locking position, -shown in Fig. 2, to the operating position, shown in Fig. l.

As indicated in Figs. 1 and 2-, the wedge 24 integral with the tubular wedge support member 25, is formed with two diametrically opposite tapered tips, the lower tapered tip 50, Fig. 1, being slightly longer than the upper tapered tip 51. L p

The left-hand edges 52 and 53 respectively, of the tapered tips of the wedge24, Fig. l, which are located in the upper position relative tothe fastener elements, in the locking position, 2, are rel at ively straight, the edges extending from the outer diameter of the tubular wedge support member to :the pointed ends of the tapered tips. I k

The right-hand edges54 and 55, of the tapered tips pf the wedge, Fig. l, are either straight, similar to t helefthand edges, or of concave arcuate contour, in themanner shown in Figs. 1 and 2. I

When the wedge .24 is located in the operating posi- .tion, shown in Fig. l, the lower tapered tip 50 is located betweenthetwo rows of fastener elements 22 and 23, thus permitting freemovement of the fastener elements and thereby allowing the fastener elements to be interlocked and disengaged in the conventional manner.

When the wedge is rotated into the locking position, shown in Fig. 2, the longer left-hand tapered tip 501lodges between two left-hand fastener elements 221; and 22b, the sloping upper edge 52 of the ,wedge tip, forcing the upper fastener element 22a out of its norma-l position, the sloping lower edge 54 of the tapered wedge tipforcing the adjacent fastener elements 22b out of their normal position, substantially perpendicular to-t-heitape, thereby preventing any movement of the slider relative to" the fastener elements, or of the fastener elements relative to the slider in either direction, and positively locking the slider in its position, relative'to the fastener elements.

The distorted position of the upper left-'hand-fastener elements 22:1,.and the similarly distorted position of the adjacent lowerleft-hand fastener jel'ei'h'eht 22b"forcei'l by their engagement with the adjacent'edge's (bf the tapered wedge tip 50, restrain any movcirientof the fastenerelemerits relative to the slider, while the locking wedge is in the locking position, shown in Fig. 2. In addition to distorting the "position of theloiyer left-hand fastener element 22b relative to the tape, due to the press'pre "off the sloping lower edge of the tapered wedge tip 'SQg-th'e lower fastenerelement 22!; engages the "adjoining fastener element 220, thereby forcing the adjoining fastener element out of its normal positionrelativeto the't'apefthe distortion continuing through several fastener elements, the number of fasteiier element's distant-deepening it"pon the length of the left-Hand tapered 'tip bf 'tlfe Wdge' tip.

"'stibffiife'iiieiirbr feia'tivete'flre-emral cylindiical "s'haft 'l b rite distortion or a series-5f fastener elements 2221, as

and ZZe-atth'eIleft-handside, Fig 2,1prevents any movement of the fastener elements relative to the slider, thereby. positively locking the slider relatives-to the fastener elements in any desired position, until the locking wedge is rotated into the operating position shown in Fig. 1.

While the left-hand tapered tip 50 of the wedge distorts the left-hand fastener elements 22a and 22b of the fastener, .the right-hand tapered wedge tip 51 engages the right-hand fastener elements-23, the outer point of the right-hand tapered tip of the wedge Fig. 2, or the upper edge 53 of the tapered tip 51 engaging the adjacent righthand fastener element 23a, thereby forcing the righthand fastener element 23a out of its normal position relative to the tape, and in that manner assisting in locking the fastener elements relative to the slider and preventing any movement of the slider relative to the fastener elements, in the interlocking direction.

Depending upon the angular posit-ion of the tapered Wedge tips 50 and 51 relative to the fastener elements, and the slope of the upper and lower edges of the righthand tapered tip 51, Fig. 2, additional fastener elements '23 on the right-hand side, Fig. 2, may also be distorted,

either by direct contact with the lower sloping edge 55 of the right-hand tapered tip 51, or by distortion due to contact with the other fastener elements in direct engagement with the sloping lower edge 55 of the right-hand tapered tip 51.

This furtherv assists in locking the fastener elements, relative to the slider, and prevents any movement of the slider relative to the fastener elements, thereby retaining the fastener elements in their locked position until the wedge is rotated into the operating position, shown in Fig. 1, relative to the fastener elements.

The reduced diameter lower end 28 of the cylindrical vertical shaft 27, which fits through an opening in the lower channer plate 16, may have one or more flat-s 57 formed thereon, or the reduced diameter lower end may be of hexagonal, or other regular polygonal contour, the opening through the lower channel plate being of a mating contour to retain the shaft in a fixed position, relative to the slider channel plates, and prevent rotation of the central cylindrical shaft when the tubular wedge support member 25 is rotated by means of the key.

The bottom of the reduced diameter end of the central vertical shaft 28, is headed over 58 against the lower channel plate 16 of the slider to retain the lower channel plate in place.

In place of the head 58, integral with the reduced diameter lower end of the central vertical shaft 27, a

headed screw may be threadably inserted in the bottom of the reduced diameter end of the central vertical shaft to support the shaft against the lower channel plate 16.

In opera-ting the slider, should any foreign matter be lodged between the mating fastener elements, or should the fastener elements become distorted or mislocated for any reason, in such a manner as to jam the fastener elements, the tubular wedge support member 25 may be rotated about the vertical shaft by means of the key, the threads 26 on the outer circumference of the tubular wedge support member raising the upper channel plate a. short distance relative to the lower channel plate, about the pivot ball joint or the pivot pin 17.

This frees the jammedv fastener elements, allows the slider to be moved freely relative to the fastener elements, thus enabling the operator to remove any foreign matter lodged between the fastener elements and to readjust the fastener elements into their normal operating position, after which the upper channel plate 15 of the slider may 'be restored to its normal operating position by means of the tubular wedge support member, the slider operating in its normal manner in that position.

- If the operator desires to lock the slider in any position relative to the fastener elements, the tubular wedge support member may be rotated in the opposite direction to-move' the'wedge into the locking position, shown in Fig. 2, in the manner hereinbefore described.

In a modification of the construction shown in Figs. 7 and 8, a modified type of central vertical shaft and tubular wedge support member are substituted for those shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

The central vertical shaft 59 is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 3, except that integral left-hand external threads 60 are cut around the outer circumference thereof, the threads fitting into mating internal threads cut into the inner diameter of the tubular wedge support meme ber 61.

The right-hand threads 62 cut around the outer circumference of the tubular wedge support member 61 as essentially the same as those shown in Fig. 3, the threads fitting into mating threads formed in the upper channel plate in the same manner.

The operation of the tubular wedge support member is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 3, from the standpoint of locking the slider relative to the fastener elements.

The locking and latching mechanism, shown in Figs. 7 and 8, is fundamentally the same as that shown in Fig. 3, and hereinbefore described, except that the reciprocating plunger 63 which is fitted through an opening in the wall of the tubular wedge support member is of triangular or other regular polygonal contour, such as that shown in Fig. 14, the opening through the wall of the tubular wedge support member being of a mating contour, thus allowing the plunger to reciprocate, while preventing any rotational movement of the plunger.

In place of the triangular contour shown in Fig. 14, a hexagonal, square or other regular polygonal configuration may be substituted, or a cylindrical member having a plurality of slots, fiats or other form of configuration may be substituted therefor, thus positively tying in a particular plunger, and the mating operating stem 64 attached to or integral with one jaw of the key 65, in such a manner as to prevent manipulation of the tubular wedge support member unless the key, with a stem having the proper configuration thereon, is inserted through the wall of the tubular wedge support member, in the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

The contour of the stem 64 of the key is essentially the same as that of the latch plunger 63, to enable the key stem to fit through the opening in the wall of the tubular wedge support member in order to move the latch plunger from the locking position, shown in Fig. 7, to the open or operating position shown in Fig. 8.

The combination of the key stem configuration, in the form of a triangle, a regular polygon, or any other suitable combination of cross-sectional contour and slots in the key stem, conforms to the contour of the opening in the wall of the tubular wedge support member through which the latch plunger 63 is fitted.

This necessitates the use of a key having a stem conforming-exactly to the contour of the particular latch plunger, with which the slider is fitted and prevents unauthorized opening of the slider by means of a device other than the particular contour of key stem, with which a particular slider is fitted.

As the variations in contour of the operating stem of the key, the plunger, and the opening through which the key plunger stem is fitted cover a wide range of forms and combinations, an extremely wide variety of key stem and opening combinations is possible in combination with particular types of slider, thus providing adequate protection for the slider in its locked position.

The cylindrical cavity formed in the central'vertical shaft 59 is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 3, the cylindrical cavity formed therein reciprocatingly supporting a piston 66, integral with the latch plunger inthe same manner as that shown in Fig. 3.

The thin wall at the right-hand side of the central vertical shaft, through which the plunger opening is but; is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 3. t m

A thin circular plug 45 inserted intotheo pejri end of the cylindrical cavity, and attached to the wall of, the shaft cavity in the same manner as that shown ih Fig. 3, a coiled compression spring 46 being fitted into the cylindrical cavity between the plug 45 and the piston, the spring forcing the latch plunger 63 into the latching position, shown in Fig. 7, withthe plunger straddling the outer edge of the central vertical shaft and extending into the opening through the wall of the tubular wedge support member, thus preventing the rotation of the tubular wedge support member and the fastener locking wedge, until a key having the proper stem configuration i inserted through the plunger opening in the tubular wedge support member wall, in the position shown in Fig. 8.

After the key stem is inserted through the tubular wedge support member opening, the key is moved leftward to the position shown in Fig. 8, thus forcing the reciprocating latch plunger leftward, against. the compression spring pressure, until the outerend of the latch plungerts is in alignment with the outer circumference of the central vertical shaft 59 at that point, thus permitting the tubular wedge support member and the wedge attached to or integral therewith to be rotated from the operating position, shown in Fig. l, to the locking position, shown in Fig. 2. p v v i A substantially circular collar is attached to the reduced diameter upper end of the tubular support. member in the manner shown in Fig. 7. The collar may be pressed on the tubular wedge support member and pinned thereto, or otherwise attached to the tubular wedge support member. The collar has a pair of diametrically opposite slots therethrough, to clear the jaws of the key, when it is inserted into the position shown in Fig. 7. p

The head, integral with the central verticalshaft 59 has two sets of diametrically opposite slots therethrough, as indicated in Fig. i1, the angle between the two sets of slots being substantially the same as the angle through which the fastener locking wedge is moved from the operating position, shown in Fig. 1, to the locking position, shown in Fig. 2.

When any foreign material is lodged between the fastener elements 22 and 23, or the fastener elements become jammed for any reason, the tubular wedge support member 61 is rotated through one-turn or, an angle of 180 from the operating position shown in Fig. 1, by means of the key.

The right-hand external threads 62 on the tubular wedge support member raise the upper channel plate from the operating position, shown in Fig. 5, about the pivot pin 17, or the ball joint.

The internal left-hand threads in the ,tubular wedge support member 51, which fit the mating external threads 60 on the outer circumference of the central vertical shaft 59 simultaneously lower the central vertical shaft 59 and the lower channel plate 16, to which it is attached,relative to the tubular wedge support member and the upper channel plate to which it is threadably fitted.

The simultaneous upward movement of the up'p'er channel plate, due to the rotation of the threaded tubular wedge support member and the downward movement of the lower channel plate 16 about the channel platepiv'ot, increases the gap between the openend of the channel plates, from the operatingposition, shown in Figs."5 and6, thus allowing the fastener elements to be readily'tndvecl relative to the slider, thereby allowing any foreign matter to he removed from the mating fastener elements,'or enabling the operator to readjust and align the fastener elements into their normal operating positi'on, "after which the upper and lower channel plates may b'e res'to'redto their normal operating position, shown in Figs.- sane 6, by rotating the tubular wedge'supportlmembe'rihtl'tbpposite direction, following which the slider fniay be manipulated in the conventional mariner toint'e rlock or 10 disengage theirleshing fastener elements until the is locked in the manner hereinbefore described, hire at ing the tubular wedge support member until the locking wedge assumes the locking position, shown in Fig. 2.

When the operator desires to remove the slider from the fastener elements to replace it, or to make any major adjustments in the fastener elements, the tubular wedge support member is rotated through several turns about the central vertical shaft 59.

The external threads on the tubular wedge support member, which are fitted to the threads in the upper channel plate, raise the upper channel plate through an angle about the pivot joint, the maximum. channel plate lift being determined by the number of internalthreads in the upper channel plate and the pitch of the threads.

The rotation of the tubular wedge support member about the central vertical shaft59 simultaneously lowers the central vertical shaft, by means of the external lefthand threads 60 on the outer circumference thereof, which fit into the internal threads in the tubular wedge support member, the downward movement of the central vertical shaft relative to the tubular wedge support member and the lower channel plate being substantially equal to the upward movement of the upper channel plate, assuming an equal thread pitch on the external and internal tubular wedge support member threads.

Thus the gap at the open end of the channel plates 15 and 16 is increased to a high enough degree from the normal operating position, shown in Figs. 5 and 6, to permit complete removal of the slider from the fastener elements, and the substitution of a new slider.

In this manner, applicants slider may be readily us'ed as a replacement for the conventional type of slider for a slide fastener by the simple expedient of removing the conventional type of slider from the fastener elements, spreading the open end of the slider channel plates 15 and 16, in the manner hereinbefore described, and moving the slider into the operating position, shown in Fig. 1.

After the channel plates are in place, the tubular wedge support member 61 is again rotated in the opposite direction, to move the upper channel plate downwardinto the position shown in Fig. 5, the threads on the central cylindrical shaft simultaneously moving the lower channel plate 16 upwardyrelative to the tubular wedge support member, until both channel plates assume the normal operating position, shown in Figs. 5 and 6, with the inner faces of the upper and lower channel plates substantially parallel to one another, the spacing between the open end of the upper and lower channel plates being slightly greater thanthe height of "the fastener elements 22 and 23, thus allowing the slider tobe manipulated in the conventional manner for disengaging and interlocking the fastener elements.

Figs. 15 and 16 show another modification of the slider construction, shown in Figs. 3 and 4-. N The upper and lower channel plates as and it? are essentially the same as those shown in Figs. 5 and v 6, except that the internal threads which receive the threads 26 on the outer circumference of the tubular wedge support member are eliminated.

The central cylindrical shaft 71 is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 3, the reduced diameter lower end of the shaft'being attached to the lower channel plate 79 in silb's'tahtially the same manner. a

The tubular wedge support member 72,1'otatablyfitted arouhd the central vertical shaft is'essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 3, except that the threads around the outer circumference of the tubular wedge support member are eliminated,

"Alower seating collar 73 is attached to a reduced diameter section of the tubular wedge support member, in'subterm, the collar seating in a mating frhsto-cdriicalctitim .terbore 74 cut into the central opening in the upper .the reduced diameter upper end of the tubular wedge support member, above the lower frusto-conical wedge support member collar 73, is essentially the same as that shown in Figs. 3 and 9, the slots through the upper collar for receiving the jaws 35 and 36 of the lzey being essentially the same as those shown in 9.

The head 76 integral with the upper end of the central cylindrical shaft is essentially the same as that shown in Figs. 3 and 11, the head having two pair of diametrically opposite angularly positioned slots therethrough, similar to those shown in Fig. 11, to clear the jaws of the key, when the key is inserted into the operating position, one pair of slots corresponding to the angular position of the locking wedge, shown in the operating position, Fig. l, the other pair of slots being located at an angle corresponding to the angle through which the locking wedge is moved from the operating position, shown in Fig. 1, to the locking position, shown in Fig. 2.

While Fig. 11 shows two pair of angularly positioned slots 33 and as, one pair of slots 33 may be eliminated, thus allowing the key to be inserted and removed through the slots 34 when the wedge is in the locking position, shown in Fig. 2. With this construction, the key remains within the slots in the tubular wedge support member collar, except when the locking wedge is in the locking position.

With the two pair of slots, shown in Fig. 11, the key may be readily inserted or removed, when the locking wedge is located in the operating position, Fig. 1, or in the locking position, Fig. 2.

The latch plunger 63, which is reciprocatingly fitted through an opening in the wall of the tubular wedge support member 72., is essentially the same that shown in Fig. 7, the plunger being of triangular contour, such as that shown in Fig. 14, or of other suitable contour o-r configuration, conforming to the contour of the operating stem 64 of the key, thus permitting the key stem to be matched to the contour of the plunger and the opening through the wall of the tubular wedge support member, through which the latch plunger is fitted.

The cylindrical cavity cut into the central cylindrical shaft 71 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal shaft axis is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 7, the cylindrical cavity reciprocatingly supporting a piston integral with the plunger, in the same manner as that shown in Fig. 7.

The thin wall section, integral with one side of the central cylindrical shaft, is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 7, the wall section having an opening therethrough, of a contour conforming to that of the latch plunger to reciprccatingly support the latch plunger.

The thin circular plug 45 inserted into the open end of the cylindrical cavity, is essentially the same as that shown in Pigs. 3 and 7, the plug being attached to the wall of the cylindrical shaft cavity in essentially the same manner. A coiled compression spring 46, inserted in the cylindrical cavity between the plug 45 and the inner face of the piston, forces the piston outward until the latch plunger assumes the position shown in Fig. 15, the plunger projecting beyond the outer circumference of the central cylindrical shaft, thus preventing the rotation of the tubular Wedge support member 72, in the position shown in Fig. 15, until a key stem 64, having a configuration conforming to' that of the latch plunger and the opening through the wall of the tubular wedge support member, is inserted through the opening in the tubular wedge support member.

The upper collar attached to the reduced diameter upper end of the tubular wedge support member has a pair of diametrically opposite slots therethrough to receive the jaws of the key, when the key is inserted through the slots in the cylindrical shaft head 76.

After the key is inserted into the corresponding slots in the tubular wedge support member upper collar 75, the key is slid leftward to the position shown in Fig. 16, until the stem 64 of the key fits through the opening in the tubular wedge support member wall, the key stem forcing the latch plunger inward, thereby moving the spring into the compressed position, shown in Fig. 16, until the end of the plunger, and the adjacent key stem edge, are in alignment with the outer circumference of the cylindrical shaft 71, thus permitting the tubular wedge support member to be rotated about the cylindrical shaft 7.1 by means of the key 65.

The rotation of the tubular wedge support member moves the locking wedge from the operating position, shown in Fig, 1 to the locking position, shown in Fig. 2, with the tapered tips of the locking wedge engaging the fastener elements and preventing any relative movement between the fastener elements and the slider until the locking wedge is restored to its operating position, shown in Fig. 1.

The key may then be removed from the tubular wedge support member, and the collar attached thereto, thereby allowing the compression spring to force the latch plunger 63 into its latching position, shown in Fig. 15, and pre venting any further rotation of the tubular wedge support member, relative to the central vertical shaft, until a key fitted with a stem having the required configuration to fit into the opening in the tubular wedge support member wall, is inserted through the opening.

A narrow gap is left between the bottom surface of the head 76 integral with the upper end of the central cylindrical shaft, and the collar attached to the reduced di ameter upper end of the tubular wedge support member 72. This gap enables the operator to manually raise the upper channel plate of the slider, relative to the lower is undesirable, the edge of a screw driver or a similar tool may be inserted between the flanges of the upper and lower channel plates, near the open end thereof, thereby increasing the spacing between the channel plates and allowing any necessary adjustment to be made to the fastener elements to move them into the interlocking position.

The upper channel plate 77, in the construction shown in Fig. 6, has a boss 78 integral with one end thereof, the boss 78 having an opening therethrough to receive the pivot pin 17, located between the channel plates. The lower channel plate 79 has a pair of bosses 8d integral with the pivoted end thereof, the bosses being located at opposite sides of the boss 78 "integral with the upper channel plate. Each of the bosses 8%, integral with the lower channel 79, has an opening therethro-ugh in align ment with the opening "through the upper channel plate boss, the pivot pin 17 being inserted through the openings in both bosses in the pivot position, shown in Fig. 6. This enables the upper channel plate to be angularly moved about the pivot pin 17, the upper channel plate being retained in its operating position, relative to the lower channel plate 7% in the manner hereinbefore described.

In a modified pivot construction, shown in Fig. 5, a ball end 82 is formed integral with the pivoted end of the upper channel plate 15 opposite the flanges 18 and 19.

The ball end 82 fits iii-to a mating hemispherical socket S3, integral with the lower ch'aniiel plate,,the soek et being in substantial alig-nineiit with the ball. end $2, and of a mating contour n r A tubular section 84 is formed integral with the upper end of the hemlspherical socket 83, the outer wall of the tubular section being spun over the upper portion of the ball and, beyond the horizontal central plane thereof, the spun tubular section" 814 of the socket retaining the ball end in the position, shown in Fig 5, thereby maintaining the upper channel plate 15 in alignment with the lower channel plate 16. a

The upper channel plate 15 is maintained in its operative relation to the lower channel plate, the inner surfaces of the two channel plates being substantially parallel to one another, by adjusting the tubular support member to its required angular position, the external threads on the tubular support member, shown in Figs. 3, and 7, locating the channel plates in their required operating position by adjusting the upper channel plate relative to the lower channel plate, or by simultaneously moving both channelplates relative to one another in the double-threaded construction, shown in Fig. 7.

Instead of the individual channel plates, shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the upper and lower channel plates may be formed of a single piece of sheet metal, as shown in Figs. .13 and 19, an integral neck connecting the upper and lower channel plates being located in a position corresponding to the location of the ball and socket joint, shown in Pig. 5 ,rthe opposite end of the channel plates having the flanges 18 and 19 formed thereon, being open in the position shown in Fig. 5.

In the modified construction, shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the upper and lower channel plates 87 and 88, respectively, are formed ,of a single sheet of material, a link 89 integral with rear end of the channel plates connecting the channel plates. The tubular wedge support member 90, which has a substantially circular collar integral with the upper end thereof, is substantially the same as that shown in Fig. 5, the wedge support member being rotatably fitted to the central cylindrical shaft. The lower portion of the tubular wedge support member, below the integral threads thereon is, reduced in diameter. A locking wedge Bills pressed on or otherwise attached tothe reduced diameter section of the tubular wedge support member. The form and contour and the method of operating the locking wedgeQl, shown in Fig. 19, is substantially the s ameas that shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and hereinbefore described. Akeyway is cut into the outer diameterof the reduced diametersection of the tubular wedge support member, a similar keyway being cut through the locking wedge, along the longitudinal axis thereof. A square, rectangular or other form of key 92 may be inserted in the keyways in the manner shown in Figs. 18 and1 9, to retain the locking wedge in accurate alignment with the tubular wedge support memher.

The operating, locking and control mechanism with a one-piece channel plate constructionof the type shown. in Figs. 18 and 19, is essentially the same as that shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 5, and hereinbefore described. The upper and lower channel plates are, adjusted to their operating position, with theinner faces thereof substantially parallel to one another, by rotating the tubular wedge support member, which is threadably fitted to the upper channel plate 37 in the manner shown in Figs. 3,5and 6.

Where the double-threaded construction, shown in Fig. .7, is used, boththe upper andlower channel plates 87 and share simultaneouslymoved relative to one anotheriby rotating the tubular. wedge support member, therebyfacilitating the adjustment of the upper channel plate SZrelativeto the, lower channel plate 88 in the same manner as the construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6,

the locking and control mechanism being the same as that shswn in Fig. 7. a 7

The upper and lower channel plates may be constructed individually, and pivotally connected to one another, as shown inFigs. 5 and 6, or of one piece of sheet material in the manner shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the fundamental construction and operation of the unit remaining the same.

The construction of the locking wedge, the tubular wedge support member and the latching mechanism, shewn in conjunction with the separate pivoted channel plates in Figs. 3,5 and 6, may be incorporated in sub stantially the same maner in conjunction with the onepiece channel plate construction shown in Figs. 18 and 19.

The operation of the unit shown in Figs. 3 and 6, with the locking wedge integral with the tubular wedge support member, and those shown in Figs. 5, l8 and 19, with the locking wedge attached to the tubular wedge support member, is essentially the same as that shown inFigs. 1 and 2, the variations in construction being designed to facilitate assembly of the tubular wedge support member, the locking wedge, and the tubular wedge support member collar with the channel plates.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that my present invention isnot limited to the specific details described above and shown in the drawings, and that various further modifications are possible in carrying out the features of the invention and the operation, method of attachment, actuation, and the method of utilization thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope or the appended claims.

Whatl claim is:

1. slider for use in combination with interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a cylindrical element fixedly attached to the lower channel plate extending through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member trunnioned on the cylindrical element rotatably fitted to the upper channel plate, ,a portion of the tubular support member being threadably fitted to the upper channel plate, a fastener element locking wedge fixed to the tubular support member located between the channel plates, said locking wedge being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to prevent movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements in one angular locking wedge position, the cylindrical shaft having an open cylindrical cavity therein located substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal cylindrical shaft axis, the cylindrical shaft having a latch opening therethrough in axial alignment with the cylindrical cavity, the tubular support member having an opening therethrough in operative axial alignment with the cylindrical shaft latch opening, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported in the cylindrical shaft latch opening, compressible means mounted in the cylindrical shaft cavity operative to force the latch plunger through the latch opening into the tubular suppout member opening when said openings are in alignment, said latch plunger being operative to prevent rotation of the tubular support member when the latch plunger is pressed through said openings, a collar fixed to the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collarto rotate the locking wedge into its fastener element locking and disengaging positions, a cylindrical stem attached to the removable key in alignment with the latch plunger, said key stem being operative tomove the latch plunger out of engagement, with the tubular support member to permit rotation of said tubular support member.

1 t 2. A slider for use in combination with a slidefastener havingtwo rowsof interlocking slide fastener elements,

comprisingan upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates each having a pair of integral flanges,which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements, when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a tubular support member rotatably fitted between said channel plates, said tubular support member being threadably attached to the upper channel plate, locking means operative to lodge between adjoining fastener elements fixed to said tubular support member, a cylindrical element fixedly attached to the lower channel plate ro ta tably locating the tubular support member, said tubular support member having a collar fixed thereto, with one end of said collar located adjacent the upper channel plate, said tubular support member collar having a pair of diametrically opposite slots therethrough, the cylindrical shaft having a susbtantially cylindrical cavity therein substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, said cylindrical shaft having a latch opening therein in alignment with the cylindrical cavity, the tubular support member having an opening therein, in operative alignment with the cylindrical shaft latch opening, the tubular support member collar having an opening therein in axial alignment with the tubular support member opening, the collar opening being in axial alignment with one of the collar slots, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft latch opening, spring means fitted to the cylindrical shaft cavity operative to project the latch plunger through the cylindrical shaft latch opening into the aligned tubular support member opening to prevent rotation of the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to said tubular support member collar slots for rotating the tubular sup port member with the locking means fixed thereto into the fastener element locking position, and a stem attached to said key in operative alignment with the latch plunger, said key stem being operative to move said latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

3. A slider for use in combination with two rows of interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate projecting through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft extending between the channel plates, a portion of the tubular support member being threadably fitted to the upper channel plate, locking means operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to prevent the movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements, fixed to the tubular support member between the channel plates, a collar fixed to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, the cylindrical shaft having a cylindrical cavity through a portion thereof, located substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal cylindrical shaft axis, said cylindrical shaft having a latch opening therethrough in alignment with the cylindrical shaft cavity, the tubular support member having an opening therethrough in operative alignment with the cylindrical shaft latch opening, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft latch opening, said latch plunger being operative to project into the tubular support member latch opening to latch the tubular support member relative to the cylindrical shaft, when said latch openings are in alignment, at key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar operative to rotate "the tubular support member with the locking means fixed thereto into the fastener elements locking position, and a stem attached to said key in alignment with the latch plunger, said key stem being adjusted to slide the latch plunger out of en- 16 gagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

4. A slider for use in combination with two rows of interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates each having integral flanges, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements, when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate projecting through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member trunnioned on the cylindrical shaft, extending between the upper and lower channel plates, a portion of the tubular support member being threadably fitted to the upper channel plate, a locking wedge fixed to the tubular support member between the upper and lower channel plates, said locking wedge being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to prevent movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements, a collar fixed to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, the cylindrical shaft having a cylindrical cavity through a portion thereof in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, said cylindrical shaft having a latch opening therein in alignment with the cylindrical cavity, the tubular support member having an opening therein in operative alignment with the cylindrical shaft latch opening, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft latch opening, means fitted to the cylindrical shaft cavity adjusted to project the latch plunger through the cylindrical shaft latch opening into the aligned tubular support member opening to prevent rotation of the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar for rotating the tubular support member, and a stern attached to the key in operative alignment with the latch plunger, said key stem being adjusted to slide the latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

5. A slider for use in combination with two rows of interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flanges which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the slide fastener elements when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate projecting through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft, said cylindrical shaft having circumferential threads fitted to the tubular support member inner diameter, a portion of the tubular support member outer circumference being threadably fitted to the upper channel plate, the tubular support member threads engaging the upper channel plate being rotationally opposite the cylindrical shaft circumferential threads, locking means operative to lodge be tween adjacent slide fastener elements to prevent the movement thereof relative to the slider in one angular locking means position fixed to the tubular support member, between the channel plates, a collar fixed to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, said cylindrical shaft having a latch opening in one side thereof, the latch opening being substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft latch opening, the tubular support member having an opening therethrough in operative alignment with the cylindrical shaft latch opening to receive the latch plunger, means mounted within said cylindrical shaft operative to project one end of the latch plunger through the cylindrical shaft latch opening into the aligned tubular support member opening to prevent rotation of the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar operative to rotate the tubular support slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a. cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate projecting through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member trunnioned on the cylindrical shaft, said cylindrical shaft having circumferential threads thereon fitted to the cylindrical support member inner diameter, a portion of the tubular support member outer circumference being threadably fitted to the upper channel plate, the tubular support member threads engaging the upper channel plate being rotationally opposite the cylindrical shaft threads,

a locking wedge fixed to the tubular support member between the upper and lower channel plates, said locking wedge being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements in one angular locking wedge position to prevent movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements, a collar fixed to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, the cylindrical shaft having a cylindrical cavity through a portion thereof, said cylindrical cavity being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal cylindrical shaft axis and in substantial alignment with the tubular support member collar, said cylindrical shaft having a latch opening therethrough in alignment with the cylindrical cavity, the tubular support member having an opening therethrough in operative alignment-with the cylindrical shaft latch opening, a latch plunger reciprocatingly fitted to the cylindrical shaft latch opening, means integral with the latch plunger reciprocatingly fitted to the cylindrical shaft cavity operative to 'limit the movement of the latch plunger beyond the cylindrical shaft, spring means fitted to the cylindrical shaft cavity operative to project the latch plunger through the cylindrical shaft latch opening 'into the aligned tubular support member opening, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar adjusted to rotate the tubular support member, and a stem attached to the key in operative alignment with the latch plunger, said key stem being adjusted to slide the latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support I member.

7. A slider for use in combination with interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising a pair of interconnected channel plates, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements, when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, a tubular support member located between said channel plates, a portion of said tubular support member being threadably fitted to the first of said channel plates, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the second channel plate rotatably supporting the tubular support member, said cylindrical shaft having a head integral therewith, the cylindrical shaft head extending beyond the upper end of the tubular support member, a collar integral with the tubular support member between the cylindrical shaft head and the first channel plate, a locking member attached to the tubular support member between the channel plates, said locking member having a pair of integral tapered tips, said tapered tips being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to prevent movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements in one angular locking member position, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft in a direction 18 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal cylindrical shaft axis, the tubular support member having a latch opening therein in operative alignment with the latch plunger, means pressing the latch plunger into the tubular support member latch opening to prevent rotation of the tubular support member relative to the cylindrical shaft, and removable key means fitted to the tubular support member collar for rotating the tubular support member, said removable key means being operative to slide the latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

8. A slider for use in combination with interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate extending through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member threadably fitted to the upper channel plate rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft, a locking wedge fixed to the tubular support member between the channel plates, said locking wedge having tapered ends at the extremities thereof, the tapered ends being tapered in a plane perpendicular to the tubular support member longitudinal axis, said tapered ends being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements in one angular locking wedge position to prevent movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements, and to disengage said slide fastener elements in another locking wedge angular position, a substantially circular collar fixed to the tubular support member above the upper channel plate, a head integral with the cylindrical shaft adjacent the tubular support member collar, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, the latch plunger being in alignment with the tubular support member collar, the tubular support member having an opening therein in operative alignment with the latch plunger, said latch plunger being operative to fit through the opening in the tubular support member in one position thereof, and disengage the tubular support member when moved out of the tubular support member latch opening, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar, and a stem attached to the key in alignment with the latch plunger, the key stem being operative to contact the latch plunger to force the latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member about the cylindrical shaft.

9. A slider for use in combination with interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements, when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one drection, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a tubular support member threadably fitted to the upper channel plate extending toward the lower channel plate, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate rotatably supporting member adjacent the upper channel plate, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, stop means integral with the latch plunger slidably fitted to the cylindrical shaft to limit the movement of the latch plunger relative to the cylindrical shaft, spring means mounted in said cylindrical shaft operative to force one end of the latch plunger beyond the outer circumference of the cylindrical shaft, said latch plunger being operative to fit into the tubular support member to lock the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar, said key being operative to rotate the tubular support member about the cylindrical shaft, and a stem attached to the key in alignment with the latch plunger, the key stem being adjusted to slide the latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

10. A slider for use in combination with interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements, when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means pivotally connecting one end of said channel plates, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate extending through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member rotatably fitted to the upper channel plate trunnioned on the cylindrical shaft, a locking wedge fixed to the tubular support member between the channel plates, said locking wedge being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to lock the slider relative to the slide fastener elements in one angular locking wedge position and to disengage said slide fastener elements in another angular locking wedge position, a substantially circular collar fixedly attached to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, a head integral with the cylindrical shaft adjacent the tubular support member collar, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, said latch plunger having a distinctive cross-sectional contour, the tubular support member having an opening therethrough of a mating cross-sectional contour to receive the latch plunger in one tubular support member angular position, said latch plunger being operative to fit through the opening in the tubular support member to latch the tubular support member relative to the cylindrical shaft, and selectively disengage the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar for rotating the tubular support member, said key having a stem attached thereto, the cross-sectional contour of the key stem conforming to that of the latch plunger, the key'stem being operative to contact the latch plunger to force the latch plunger out at of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

11. A slider for use in combination with interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, each of said channel plates having a pair of integral flanges, which are operative and located to slidablyengage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements, when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means pivotally connecting one end of said channel plates, a tubular support member extending between the upper and lower channel plates, said tubular support member having a substantially circular lower collar integral'therewith, said upper channel plate having a countersunk seat therein conforming to the cross-sectional contour of the tubular support member lower collar, said tubular support member lower collar being adjusted to rotatably fit into the seat formed in the upper channel plate, a substantially cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate extending through the upper channel plate, a locking wedge fixed to the tubular support member between the channel plates, said locking wedge being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to lock the slider relative to the slide fastener elements in one angular locking wedge position and disengage the slide fastener elements in another angular locking wedge position, said tubular support member having a substantially circular upper collar attached thereto above the upper channel plate, said upper collar having a pair of diametrically opposite slots therethrough, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft, said latch plunger having a distinctive cross-sectional contour, the tubular support member having a latch opening therethrough of a mating cross-sectional contour to receive the latch plunger 'in one angular tubular support member position, said latch plunger being operative to project into the tubular support member latch opening to restrain rotation of the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member upper collar slots, said key having a stem integral therewith in axial alignment with the latch plunger, the cross-sectional contour of the key stem conforming to the contour of the latch opening in the tubular support member, said key stem being operative to contact the latch plunger to move the latch plunger out' of the tubular support member latch opening to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

12. A slider for use in combination with interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate extending through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member threadably fitted to the upper channel plate trunnioned on the cylindrical shaft, a locking wedge fixed to the tubular support member between the channel plates, said locking wedge having tapered ends at the extremities thereof, said tapered ends being operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements in one angular locking wedge position to prevent movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements, and disengage said fastener elements in another angular locking wedge position, a substantially circular collar fixed to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, a head integral with the cylindrical shaft adjacent the tubular member collar, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft in a direction perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, the tubular support member having a latch opening therein in operative alignment with the latch plunger, the tubular support member collar having a pair of diametrically opposite slots therethrough in alignment with the tubular support member latch opening, said latch plunger being operative to fit through the opening in the tubular support member in one position thereof, and disengage the tubular support member when moved out of the tubular support member latch opening, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar slots, the cylindrical shaft head having a pair of diametrically opposite slots therethrough, the angular position of the cylindrical shaft head slots relative to the channel plate longitudinal axis conforming to the angular position of the tubular support member collar slots, when the locking wedge is located in the slider locking position to permit removal of the key from the tubular support member collar slots, and a stem attached to the key in alignment with the latch plunger, the key stem being adjusted to force the plunger out of engagament with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member.

13. A slider for use in combination with two rows of interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, means connecting one end of said channel plates, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate projecting through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member rotatably mounted on the cylindrical shaft extending between the channel plates, a portion of the tubular support member being threadably fitted to the upper channel plate, locking means operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to prevent the movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements fixed to the tubular support member between the channel plates, a collar fixed to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, said cylindrical shaft having a latch opening therein located substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, the tubular support member having an opening therethrough in operative alignment with the cylindrical shaft latch opening, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft latch opening, said latch plunger being operative to project into the tubular support member latch opening to lock the tubular support member relative to the cylindrical shaft, when said latch plunger openings are in alignment, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar operative to rotate the tubular support member with the locking means fixed thereto into the slider locking position, and a stem attached to said key in operative alignment with the latch plunger, said key stern being adjusted to slide the latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member, the tubular support member threaded portion fitted to the upper channel plate being operative to raise the upper channel plate relative to the lower channel plate, when the tubular support member is rotated in a direction opposite the slider locking direction to permit adjustment of the slide fastener elements when the fastener elements are jammed.

14. A slider for use in combination with two rows of interlocking slide fastener elements, comprising an upper and a lower channel plate, said channel plates having integral flange means, which are operative and located to slidably engage and interlock the mating slide fastener elements when the slider is moved longitudinally relative to the slide fastener elements in one direction, a cylindrical shaft fixedly attached to the lower channel plate projecting through the upper channel plate, a tubular support member trunnioned on the cylindrical shaft, said cylindrical shaft having circumferential threads fitted to the tubular support member inner diameter, a portion of the tubular support member outer circumference being threadably fitted to the upper channel plate, the tubular support member threads engaging the upper channel plate being rotationally opposite the cylindrical shaft circumferential fl1reads, a locking wedge operative to lodge between adjacent slide fastener elements to prevent movement of the slider relative to the slide fastener elements in one angular locking wedge position, fixed to the tubular support member between the channel plates, a collar fixed to the tubular support member adjacent the upper channel plate, the cylindrical shaft having a latch opening in one side thereof, located substantially perpendicularly to the cylindrical shaft longitudinal axis, a latch plunger reciprocatingly supported by the cylindrical shaft latch opening, the tubular support member having an opening therein in alignment with the cylindrical shaft latch opening to receive the latch plunger, means mounted within said cylindrical shaft operative to project one end of the latch plunger through the cylindrical shaft latch opening into the aligned tubular support member opening to prevent rotation of the tubular support member, a key removably fitted to the tubular support member collar operative to rotate the tubular support member, and means attached to the key in alignment with the latch plunger operative to press the latch plunger out of engagement with the tubular support member to permit rotation of the tubular support member, the circumferential cylindrical shaft threads in combination with the tubular support member external threads in engagement with the upper channel plate being operative to separate the upper and lower channel plates to permit removal of the slider from the slide fastener elements when the tubular support member is rotated in a direction opposite the locking wedge fastener element locking direction.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,068,502 Marinsky Jan. 19, 1937 2,157,084 Rafael May 2, 1939 2,530,438 Modrey Nov. 21, 1950 2,607,976 Zahel Aug. 26, 1952 2,666,970 Grant Jan. 26, 1954 

